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Book, Music & Lyrics by Michael John
LaChiusa
The Illinois Theatre
Center of Park Forest will end its 32nd Season with the
Chicago area premiere of the new musical SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, written
and composed by Michael John LaChiusa. The show, which premiered at New
York’s Public Theatre in 2005, was praised by the Associated Press as
“A highly original, innovative journey”, and the New York Times
praised LaChiusa’s “Songs that strike at the heart.” The ITC
production runs for three weeks, opening Friday, April 25th.
Based on stories by Ryonosuke
Akutagawa, this unique theatre piece takes us from ancient Japan to
modern day New York City with three tales that are sensual, suspenseful,
and inspiring. “Kesa & Morito” is the tale of two lovers
who secretly plan to kill each other. “R_shomon” takes the
story that inspired the classic Japanese film “Rashomon” and
transforms it to a gritty, jazzy tale of 1950’s New York. Finally,
“Glory Day” takes us to 21st Century New York, where a priest
who has lost his faith following the tragedy of 9/11 posts a bogus
message announcing the Second Coming.
Michael John LaChiusa has been
acclaimed as one of the most versatile of the new generation of theatre
composers. His other musicals include FIRST LADY SUITE (1993), HELLO
AGAIN (1994 – Drama Desk nominee), MARIE CHRISTINE (1999 – Tony
nominee), THE WILD PARTY (2000 – Tony nominee), LITTLE FISH (2003), and
BERNARDA ALBA (2006). In 2009, the Signature Theatre Company of
Arlington, Virginia will premiere GIANT, a musical adaptation of Edna
Ferber’s novel. LaChiusa is a professor at the Graduate Musical Theatre
Writing Program at New York University.
In SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE,
LaChiusa takes the opportunity to explore a variety of musical styles.
The music for “Kesa and Morito” features the sound of traditional
Japanese woodwinds and percussion. “R_shomon” combines the styles of a
“film noir” score and bebop jazz. “Glory Day” brings together Latin,
Caribbean, and American pop music to invoke the contemporary urban
landscape.
The production is directed by
David Perkovich, who has acted in and directed numerous
productions at ITC, Theatre at the Center (Munster, Indiana) Drury Lane
Oakbrook, and numerous other theatres. He has assembled a talented cast
of ITC veterans and newcomers. Marilynn Bogetich, a Jeff Award
winner, has appeared in numerous productions at the Goodman, Court,
Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook,
Steppenwolf, and ITC, among others. Alan Ball has made numerous
ITC appearances, as well as productions at Theatre at the Center,
Marriott Lincolnshire, the Royal George, and many others.
Jeff Max
is making his ITC debut. His
credits include shows at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center,
Apple Tree, Pegasus, and others. He played The Pharaoh in the Donny
Osmond tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.
Lauren Creel has numerous stage credits, including Chicago
Shakespeare, Light Opera Works, Theatre at the Center, Metropolis
Theatre, and others. Matthew Sean Callahan recently played the
male lead in the national tour of “Wonderful Town”. His other credits
include Chicago Shakespeare, Light Opera Works, Noble Fool, The Theatre
Building, and Timberlake Playhouse.
SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE runs
Friday, April 25 through Sunday, May 11. Performances are Wednesdays
through Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are
priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 all other times. There is a $1
discount for seniors & students. The Illinois Theatre Center is located
at 371 Artists Walk in Downtown Park Forest (off Indianwood Blvd.,
adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, call (708) 481-3510.
April 25th
to May 11th, 2008 |
